96 Explorer dash light replacment

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Feb 27, 2005 | 07:53 PM

Butch(OH)

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Tuned

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 380

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From: ohio

96 Explorer dash light replacment

Hello all, new to this board, tried a search but couldn't find information. I need to replace some dash lights in our 96 Explorer. Dealer wants $200 so I figure it isn't a 10 minute job. Can any of you tell me what needs to come off to get to the back of the dash? Thanks in advance.

Feb 27, 2005 | 08:06 PM

cdolor

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 58

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From: Fair Hill MD

Not really hard. Takes about an hour. Here's the order
Remove the dash panel below the steering wheel (screws at the bottom)
Remove the metal panel below the above panel (screws in the front)
Lower the tilt wheel to it's lowest position
Remove the instrument Bezel (dash front) (screws above the gauges) You don't have to remove the headlight switch, just let the bezel hang
Remove the screw holding the instrument cluster in place (screws in the corners)
Pull the instrument cluster out
It will come out far enough to get to the bulb holders in the back, or you could unplug the panel and remove it. Not needed thought.
The bulbs are in the little black holders on the back (you'll see what I mean)
Replace in the reverse order. A cordless drill with socket bits (for the metal panel) will speed things up.

Some advice I found out the hard way. Replace all the bulbs. The new ones will be brighter than the old ones because the olders ones loose illumination over time and it will be noticable. Also the others will likely burn out soon anyway.

It sounds harder than it is. Use the $200 for beer.
Good Luck,
Chuck

Feb 28, 2005 | 07:36 AM

IB Tim

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From: 3rd Rock

Butch...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! If you have a minute check out the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand FTE.

We are pleased you have chosen the best source for Fords!

Enjoy FTE :

…..See you on the boards.

cdolor Nice post

Feb 28, 2005 | 02:47 PM

Gil Chesterton

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 252

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Nice post by CDOLOR.

I have done this with 1991-1994 models and I'm sure it's very similar with the 96. CDOLOR is correct that this is a simple job with little time or effort.

I would add that whenever I have done these lights I found it necessary to remove the instrument cluster (big fat hands I guess). On the earlier Explorers there are two wire harnesses that need to be disconnected and the speedo cable. The wire harnesses are straight forward "pull-offs" but you need to work your hand in behind the cluster panel to activate the "quick release" button for the speedo cable (the cable comes off easily once the quick connect has been pressed, do not try to force or wrench off the speedo cable!!).

Good luck with it!

Gil

Mar 31, 2005 | 10:33 PM

JSchilberg

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 30

Likes: 0

From: Texas

Howdy FTE Members,

CDolor, "Chuck", nailed the process. Especially the part about $200 for beer!

Thank you, Chuck. Your experience was most appreciated.

JS